Analysts Say Auto Parts Shortages Will Hit U.S. Soon

Some Japanese car companies have extended production shutdowns in Japan into a third week following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeastern part of the country.

While many assembly plants are intact and operational, the auto makers are having a hard time restarting production because of breaks in parts-supply chains, transportation networks and electrical power. The resulting shortages of certain key automotive components have already caused production slowdowns at car makers outside Japan.